I've got a list...it's long. I'll never get it all done but I want to try. Summer is moving fast and here it is August already and my personal list of projects have been sitting, waiting from me to arrive and rescue them. In rescuing them, I'll be rescuing myself. I'm pretty much always last on my list. I've been thinking lately that I want to move me up to the top of that list, at least for the rest of the summer...So until Labor Day I'll be pretty much working on what I love doing in the summer...which is so much more than my computer. The top photo might give you a hint that relaxing and enjoying life's little treats might be in my very near future...hmm, maybe not so many more brownies but certainly a bit of lace and soft prettiness.

I will spend more time taking photo's outside for myself...my love of photography has always been in Nature and so I'll get back to doing more of that..I also plan to really work hard learning some new skills in my classes this summer. Still life has become a new love of mine..who knew? The other thing I'm going to do and this is just so exciting...is I'm starting this month, hopefully tomorrow, to shot in raw. I must say I'm bit intimated by that process but I think it's time for me to give it an honest try. It's time to step out of the box and know that I am capable of at least trying..maybe it will move my photography up a notch. Let's hope so. I have learned over my many years...nothing is etched in stone and no decision has to be final. Of course I'd love to find a few photo Buddies to go shooting with...I'm pretty sure I've got that one covered.

They say laughter is good for the soul and the heart. I have several people in my life that just make me laugh whenever I am with them. I will surround myself with people that bring joy and laughter to me daily. Life is full of bad news, pain, and sometimes sickness. There are things we can't get away from but I think if we try, each day, to find something to smile about and give thanks for all the good we do have, our lives can be full and so can our hearts...Let's call it Heart Therapy and no lessons necessary. Maybe just really good thoughts.

To be amongst long standing, trustworthy friends is a gift. I have been so fortunate in my friendships. I have many longstanding, wonderful Girlfriends that I could not have lived without. I never had a sister and when I was young I used to feel bad about that but not anymore. I have "hand picked" the ones that I would call sister and we are closer than most sisters I know.. This summer I will spend more time with them, doing all the things that crazy girlfriends do together..Dina, is one of my longest standing Girlfriends and was the Maid of Honor at my wedding...we have been walking our path together for 50 years...it is such an easy relationship now...her and I do go out every Friday for breakfast and then "thrift store" shopping...so much fun...but I need to tend the garden of my other friends...being busy is not an excuse this summer...mark the calendar and go...and by the way, this wonderful journey that I am on here on the computer has given me such lovely friends also...some I have met and some I have talked to and some I just see in my streams but they all are woven into my life now and I value each one...and those friends are not all girls...Let's hear it for the men in our circle of Friendship.

On those really hot sunny, summer days..I'm going to be catching a breeze..either riding on the lake in the boat or perhaps on the open road driving my antique car, Stellar, around the small country roads of Maine. I feel just being outside, with the wind in my hair, rather refreshing and youthful. I really don't believe in the summer we have to act our age...our age is whatever we feel, on the inside, on any given day. Of course that's another benefit of being "senior"....we don't give a fig anymore what people think of us...Just so freeing. Catch a breeze however you like...I think Liam has found his own way...smart kid, takes after his Nana...

Oh and one of my favorite all time summer treats is "nap taking"..that could be why I have a screened porch on both of my houses...late afternoon, sun going lower in the sky, all is quiet, even the birds. A gentle breeze carries through the boughs of the hemlock trees and my mind does the dance of summer slumber. It's not a long nap, perhaps 20 minutes but its the feel of the warm, the openness of the windows and the slight sounds of a hot summer day. No nap is like a summer nap. Then there are those rare days, hot, hot, hot that just beg for the gentle movement of the hammock in the back yard, lakeside. Have mercy on my gentle soul, I'm in love with summer naps...

You know, the list goes on and on for me...I want to read a million books before September. Be up to date on all my classes, learn new things about photography, plan and set up Still Life shots, oh my, I bought some cheese cloth today. Ideas are running in my head for photo's, light, balance, it's all good right now. No dark days of winter. I want to play with my babies, have intelligent and fun conversations with my grown kids. Swim, bake and nest. Knit sweaters for Christmas gifts and so much more....how can you be bored in this life. Probably the other thing that I should do is give my mind a rest...it's always running somewhere...

So I know it all won't get accomplished but I'm going to try to do some of everything so my computer time will be less.. I will keep up my lessons, work on my blog, and in general do only those things that make me feel good and in control. I will check on you all often...you might not know it but I do love looking and seeing all that you do..you so inspire me to do much more than I ever though possible. I won't be far away...just behind the sun...watching over all of you and hoping you all accomplish your summer dreams also...

Perhaps if you visit you could leave me a note about a wish you have for yourself for the summer...whatever it is just enjoy the process...

"The beach is not the place to work; read; write or think. I should have remember that from other years. To warm, to damp, to soft for any mental discipline or sharp flights of spirit. One never learns. Hopefully one carries down the faded straw bag, lumpy with books, clean paper, long over-due unanswered letters, freshly sharpened pencils, lists and good intentions. The books remain unread, the pencils break their points, the pads rest smooth and unblemished as the cloudless sky. No reading, no writing, no thoughts even...at least not at first. At first..the tired body takes over completely." Gifts from the Sea..Anne Morrow Lindbergh

Reader Comments (15)

Beautifully written Cheryl! I'm longing for some of these things too....sometimes we tend to take on too much, then wonder why life isn't fun any more. This afternoon I cleared off my sewing table - I'll be getting out the fabric and machine to make a few doll dresses for a friend's little girl...I can't wait to dive into those. My grand babies are no longer playing with dolls - so this will be exciting to do again. Thanks so much for sharing your lovely thoughts - you are so beautiful!! xx Here's my blog: http://lavenderbleu.wordpress.com

Hey there girlfriend!I can never think of you without being grateful for our special friendship formed on flickr! How you got R & me hooked up with the little beach house in Maine, and now, you will spend time there too! We wouldn't have our beautiful all-season room if it wasn't for our inspiring stay last fall. Just think, an entire year will have passed since we met in person on that gorgeous Goose Rocks sand! Since then we've both been on a physical (& mental) roller coaster ride, but together we've tried to catch our breath in between the ups and downs! I LOVE your philosophy and positive spirit and outlook on life. Thanks for all you share, in images, words and the simple philosophy of LIFE! Grandma to Grandma, we're connected for all time. Love sharing memories with you. Love You! xox Antoinette xox

Such a beautiful life you have and are expanding on. Life in the raw (;) you will love and it's really not that hard but oh so rewarding. Gorgeous family and can feel the love. Will certainly miss you as I miss the salt on my lips and steamas in my belly. Love ya woman, now step away from the computer. Hugs from AZ

Oh Beverly doll dresses sounds like a wonderful summer project...when I was little I loved my dolls and we used make them little outfits and oh the joy of taking my doll to the beach and in my bag, I had a change of clothes for her...there was a time when I thought she was real...LOL Enjoy...

Right there Antoinette is what I'm talking about...Flickr...comments and before you know it..the beach..What a lovely day and yes, even though a year has gone by we have supported each other through the long nasty winter...In some ways I feel like I've known you forever...you give to much credit for the porch though...that was your dream...I think I just pushed you a bit...in a few weeks I'll be at that beach house and then you...we will walk in the sand again..xoxo

Ah Chris, I don't think I could step away for long...and not from you. I'll be checking and commenting and posting here on the blog..just not so much on flickr. O.K. I haven't found the raw button yet but I'm looking for it. I'll let you know how that goes...the editing will be different, hopefully more "real"...when you get a minute come on over for some steamas. I had some the other night...so good...Have a safe and loving summer my friend...Love you tons..

Thanks Viv for stopping by and leaving your lovely comment...you are my inspiration so I'll be checking on you all the time...I'm amazed at what you can do in the processing department and you take on all kinds of challenges...I need more of that...Continue to have fun...your so very good...xoxo

I'm not spending near as much time online this month, but I can't resist your posts. They are so full of light and joy and cheer. And all your pics bring a huge smile to my face. Your little guys are darling and I love the pics of you being you! And your closing quite from my all-time fave book Gifts from the sea -- just perfect.

Sherry so glad you came by today...you always make me happy...Somehow I think "me being me" is a lot like "you being you"...we love life and try to enjoy all the goodness that parks itself on our doorstep...your comment is lovely and sweet...Like you, I'll be checking blogs and doing homework, while trying to fit in the rest..mostly I won't be doing Flickr (takes so long to comment) and just easing up a bit on the rest...I could never stay away completely...I'm addicted.Have a beautiful week...

Just keep blogging . . . you've found your niche and it is definitely taking you somewhere you need to be . . . on the best seller list, I predict!Is there any way I can get notification when you've put up a new blog, if you don't mention it on flickr? Perhaps flickr can just happen the same time you blog?Anyhoo......love following you around over here. It fits you so well!

Hi Antoinette...to subscribe to my blog go to the top of the page..in the header there is a box marked "subscribe" . This should do it...if you have a problem, let me know. My faithful friend...I am taking all of this month off from Flickr so you won't know but I will be posting here to keep up with my lessons...Thanks for your compliments, it's a bit of a stretch to get to the best seller's list...but I'm happy here, writing my little essays, along with my photo's...Your a good champion for me though...oxox

Thanks Lissa for stopping by and for your lovely comment...Liam has taken over the G-10 but I really don't mind...so happy he likes shooting and I hope he'll always love it and have happy memories of these days...